Former U.S. Space & Rocket Center CEO's Role in Artemis II Launch

Kimberly Robinson's decades-long career at NASA helped pave the way for the historic moon mission.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract painting in the style of Hilma af Klint, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, representing the complex scientific concepts and forces behind the Artemis II moon mission.A visionary illustration capturing the intricate scientific and technological forces behind the historic Artemis II mission, the first crewed launch to orbit the moon since the Apollo program.Huntsville Today

Kimberly Robinson, the former CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, played a key role in supporting the Artemis II mission, the first crewed launch to orbit the moon since the Apollo program. Over her 31-year career at NASA, Robinson contributed to the development of the Space Launch System and served as a payload mission manager for the Artemis I uncrewed test flight.

Why it matters

The Artemis program represents a major milestone in space exploration, as it aims to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the moon. Robinson's contributions, spanning decades, helped lay the groundwork for this historic mission, underscoring the importance of long-term vision and dedication in the space industry.

The details

During her tenure at NASA, Robinson supported the Artemis I uncrewed test flight as a payload mission manager and also helped develop the Space Launch System program, which is responsible for creating the primary launch vehicle for the Artemis program. She retired from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center last summer, but was able to witness the Artemis II crew lift off on April 1, seeing years of her dedicated efforts come to fruition.

  • Kimberly Robinson retired from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center last summer.
  • The Artemis II crew launched on April 1, 2026.

The players

Kimberly Robinson

The former CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, who had a 31-year career at NASA and played a key role in supporting the Artemis I and II missions.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

A museum and educational facility in Huntsville, Alabama, that serves as a hub for space exploration and education.

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Artemis Program

A series of NASA missions that aims to return humans to the Moon, with the goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on and around the lunar surface.

Space Launch System

The primary launch vehicle for the Artemis program, developed by NASA.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Watching the Artemis II crew lift off on April 1, she saw years of her dedicated efforts at NASA continue to push humanity further than it has ever traveled from Earth.”

— Kimberly Robinson, Former CEO, U.S. Space & Rocket Center

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch astronauts around the moon in 2024, paving the way for future Artemis missions that aim to land the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface.

The takeaway

Kimberly Robinson's decades-long career at NASA, including her work on the Artemis program, highlights the importance of long-term vision and dedication in the space industry. Her contributions have helped lay the groundwork for a new era of lunar exploration, inspiring future generations of space enthusiasts and professionals.